N環球 
Paris Oct. 13 education protests: 161,500 nationwide, clashes on Paris march sidelines
France's Oct. 13 education mobilization drew 161,500 people nationwide per the Interior Ministry (organizers claim 480,000), with 41,500 in one Paris march; cars were torched and tear gas fired on the sidelines in Paris, while Greta Thunberg marched in Saint-Denis.
Why it matters
This was the largest nationwide mobilization since the school protests began in mid-September — more than double last week's turnout. With Macron's second term winding down, the youth-teacher street pressure is merging with Saturday's planned cost-of-living demonstrations, becoming a key variable in the budget battle.
Full report
On Tuesday, October 13, high-school students, university students, teachers and six education unions staged strikes and marches in Paris and other cities. The main Paris march set off at 2 p.m. from Place d'Italie toward the Invalides; the Interior Ministry counted 41,500 participants in one of the two Paris marches.
Nationwide, the Interior Ministry reported 161,500 demonstrators while organizers claimed 480,000 — both far above last Thursday's 71,500 (official figure). Student group L'Union étudiante said nearly 90% of the country's 70 state universities were blocked or closed; the Education Ministry said just over 200 schools were shut.
Mostly peaceful in Paris, but clashes broke out on the march's sidelines: masked youths tried to erect barricades, threw objects and set cars on fire, and police fired tear gas; tear gas was also used in Lyon. Swedish activist Greta Thunberg joined the demonstration in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, saying "our future is being robbed"; far-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon was seen in the Paris crowds.
Protesters demand more education funding, renovated buildings, shorter school days and the scrapping of the Parcoursup admissions system. The Education Minister's Oct. 8 emergency plan for 3,000 substitute teachers has been dismissed by unions as far too little.
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